In order to maintain valid F-1 status, a student must not work in the United States, unless the employment is specifically authorized under the regulations. Any unauthorized employment by a nonimmigrant constitutes a failure to maintain status

All kinds of J-1 college or university student employment require the responsible officer to approve the specific employment in writing, and the student's SEVIS record to be updated to reflect the employment authorization, before the student begins working.

Volunteering Overview

Volunteering allows you to get involved with the local community, network, utilize skills and learn new ones.

The U.S. Department of Labor defines volunteering as donating time with an organization whose primary purpose is civic, charitable, or humanitarian in nature. Remember, you may not receive payment or any type of compensation.

You cannot offer to volunteer for a position:

• which is normally paid, or
• for which you will be paid later